By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 200 pages
of 200
Catalan form of Marshall, French
"one who looks after horses"
Similar yet different to Marcel, and the cedilla spelling adds extra Catalan charm.
French
"May or strength"
This name of a 10th-century abbot which ranks among the Top 500 in France is of debated origin. It may derive from the Latin name for the month of May, or else from a Germanic root meaning "strength".
Irish and Scottish surname
"son of the foreigner"
Despite its appearance, McGill is not related to any of the Gil- names, including Gilbert, Gilford, and Gilson. The "gill" piece is derived from the Gaelic word gall , meaning "foreigner." Yet, it…
Romani form of Marvel
Marvel is rising for both sexes, and this cheerful, melodic variation could appeal too.
English word name
"metal"
Gem names are having their moment — metal names could feasibly be next.
Slovene and Croatian form of Michael, Hebrew
"who is like God?"
A variation of Michael, most often used in Croatia, where it's in the Top 20, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it ranks in the Top 100, and also in Slovenia. Mihael was revealed as the full name for the…
Estonian variation of Mikhail
Estonia borders Russia, which has a strong influence on the popular baby names. Mihhail comes from Mikhail, the Russian form of Michael.
Diminutive of Emil, Latin
"rival"
Super-short names are popular with Dutch-speaking parents, and this shortened form has come a long way from the original Aemilianus. Mil is in the Top 100 in Belgium.
Arabic
"source of light, beacon, torch"
A unisex Arabic name with a soft and international sound, Mishal has a glowing meaning too.
Yiddish variation of Mordecai, Hebrew
"follower of Marduk"
Mottel, also spelled Motl or Motel, was once a common Yiddish name in Ashkenazi Jewish communities. It's never been recorded on the US charts, but the feminine variation, Mattel, is beginning to rise…
